Acceptability of a social prescribing model in Dublin’s North East Inner City (NEIC)
Presenter: Cáit Donnelly, Acting Senior Health Promotion Officer in HSE CHO Dublin North City and County, IUHPE
accredited Health Promotion Practitioner
Think Tank for Action (TASC) were commissioned to carry out the research
Funder: Health Service Executive, Department of Health and NEIC subgroup 5
Introduction
Social prescribing (SP) is growing in Ireland and is closely aligned with the HSE transformation under Sláintecare.
Throughout 2021, the HSE co-produced a healthy communities project with Dublin City Co-op including the
implementation of a SP model. The acceptability of SP was examined by TASC (Think-tank for action on social change)
Method
A pragmatic research approach included two separate structured questionnaires for residents (n=73) and community
health workers (CHWs) (n=57) and a total of four focus groups; two focus groups with CHWs (n=11 in each) and two
with residents (n=5 and n=3)
Results
The majority of residents were aged between 18-35 (49%), female (71%) and white Irish (96%). Over 40% reported
having a long-term health issue; mental health issues were most commonly reported. The majority indicated the
pandemic had a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Interestingly, 58% reported not taking part in
any social activities with 62% willing to be referred to SP.
CHWs recognised the significant health inequalities existing in the NEIC, social isolation and health literacy issues
were reported as significant contributors to inequalities. All CHWs agreed that SP would be beneficial with 93%
willing to be part in a SP programme and receive referrals and maintain records. The focus group results echoed
these sentiments and welcomed a simple referral process linking health and social activities.
Discussion
This research suggests that SP is an acceptable programme in NEIC within the wider healthy communities initiative to
support the reduction in health inequalities. The roll out will respond to long standing health issues perpetuated by
the pandemic.
Implications
Further research is required to evaluate referral processes, this will be supported by a digital platform in 2022. This
research informed the requirement and facilitation of health literacy audit and workshops for CHWs.
Contact email: cait.donnelly@hse.ie; hohw.dncc@hse.ie
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